Elmhurst University vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Otterbein University in Westerville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Otterbein University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Otterbein University than Elmhurst University ($20,457 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 8.9% lower than at Elmhurst University ($13,236 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Otterbein University (about $7,407 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Elmhurst University than at Otterbein University (about $7,407 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $35,548.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Otterbein University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Otterbein University students ($30,079 vs. $27,923).

Elmhurst University vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or Otterbein University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Otterbein University and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 20 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Otterbein University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Elmhurst University vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Otterbein University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Otterbein University's (62%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Otterbein University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Otterbein University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Otterbein University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.